When you hear the word expander, you might think of someone who makes things bigger, such as an engineer working with metal or lumber. But in orthodontics, there are plenty of reasons to use an expander, and it isn’t limited to metal—in fact, it may be made out of plastic or rubber. If you have braces but haven’t heard much about expanders, here’s everything you need to know about them.
What Are Expander Braces, And What Do They Do?
There are two major types of orthodontic braces, and both require rubber bands to exert pressure on your teeth. Arch wires are used in both types of braces, but those used in traditional braces have a fixed position. They aren’t removable, and their job is to guide your teeth into a specific position. If you get traditional braces, you’ll wear them for years—usually until you’re a teenager or young adult.
The other type of brace uses removable rubber bands, which apply constant pressure to your teeth. These are called expander braces, and they work by gradually expanding your mouth over time so that your jaw can grow more room for all of your permanent teeth. The length of treatment varies from patient to patient, as does its intensity; some people will need only one or two sets of these expanders while others may need several sets over an extended period. In any case, it’s important that you know what an expander brace is before deciding whether it’s right for you!
Who Are The Best Candidates For Expander Braces?
It’s no secret that oral health is an important factor in our overall health. Among other things, clean teeth can reduce plaque buildup and make sure that your mouth stays clear of infections. Braces are one of several ways to ensure good oral health, but they don’t work for everyone; some patients may need a different kind of orthodontic treatment called an expander. If you have questions about why you may need a specialized kind of braces, or if you think expander-style braces are right for you, here’s what you should know: What Are The Benefits Of Expander Braces? : What Are The Benefits Of Expander Braces? How Do I Know If I Need An Expander? : How Do I Know If I Need An Expander?
Expanders are generally used when there isn’t enough room for traditional braces to move teeth into place. This might be because there aren’t enough healthy tooth surfaces available, or because there isn’t enough space between teeth. In either case, an expander can provide a solution. The first step in getting an expander is to consult with your orthodontist about whether it’s right for you and what kind of treatment plan will work best. Once you have a plan in place, here’s how it works: How Do I Know If I Need An Expander? : How Do I Know If I Need An Expander?
Expanders work by gradually pulling teeth apart over time.
What Are The Benefits Of Expander Braces?
orthodontic braces expander are often prescribed for patients who cannot wear traditional metal braces. For example, someone with dexterity issues or arthritis may have trouble opening their mouth wide enough to fit an archwire between their teeth. Someone else with a high palate or narrow jaw might not be able to keep their mouth open long enough for dental impressions to be taken or wires and bands to be properly positioned around each tooth.
A lot of people are surprised by how quickly they get used to wearing expander braces; many only need them for a short time before switching over to traditional metal brackets. Or go to bed at night. After a few weeks of using your expander braces every day, you’ll probably be ready to switch over to traditional metal brackets. Your dentist will make new molds and castings so that your new set of braces fits perfectly onto your newly expanded smile!
How Do Expander Braces Work?
Braces may be made of metal or plastic, but both have one thing in common: They’re bonded to teeth. Since it can take months for teeth to adjust to these new additions, braces often come with rubber bands and other removable tool adjustments that allow orthodontists and dentists to tweak them into place. Even though you won’t be able to see most of these rubber bands, some are visible because they’re worn on top of your braces.
The most common tool is an expander – a device that uses pressure from adjustable screws that is applied against a tooth’s surface (also known as brackets). Over time, pressure pushes apart two brackets which then apply even more force over time. This process helps move teeth closer together until they meet. As you can imagine, expanding takes time so most people wear their expanders for about six months before moving onto another type of treatment like braces or Invisalign. But if your dentist recommends wearing an expander longer than six months, don’t worry! You’ll still get great results without feeling like you’ve been wearing them forever.
What Are The Costs Of Expander Braces?
Getting braces can be expensive, but if you have braces without an expander first, it could be even more costly. While some of these costs are unavoidable—such as those required to go to an orthodontist for checkups and appointments—many are unnecessary. We’ve identified a few ways that you can cut down on unnecessary expenses associated with your orthodontic treatment. To learn more about how to get an expander brace, read our post below! 1. The Fastest Way To Get Braces With An Expander: Consider Using A Self-Ligating Bracket Instead Of Regular Brackets
Expanders may seem like they belong in a time before advanced dental technology, but they’re actually very useful in modern orthodontics. Before getting into what an expander is and why you might need one, let’s talk about what self-ligating brackets are (if you’re unfamiliar). As their name suggests, self-ligating brackets don’t require elastic ligatures or ties to hold them in place during treatment; instead, they utilize friction from pressure against the teeth themselves.
What Are The Results Of Expander Braces?
Expanders are used to gradually move your teeth into a better position. The number of treatment sessions depends on how quickly your teeth move, but most people need about 18 months in an expander to achieve good results. In between appointments, you wear braces with hooks on them that attach to small rubber bands around your molars and force them apart (over a period of weeks). The screws on an expander continuously loosen over time, so you’ll need fewer appointments as time goes by. There will be some pain and discomfort in your mouth as you grow accustomed to wearing braces, but it should subside after a couple of weeks. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary; ask us if you have any questions or concerns along the way! If You Wear Braces As A Teenager, Will Your Teeth Stay Straight?
Do Orthodontic Expanders Hurt?
Compared to other orthodontic appliances, expanders tend to cause less discomfort because they aren’t attached to your teeth and don’t push against them. Instead, expanders are held in place by ligatures (small loops of string), so you don’t have anything in your mouth. For that reason, when patients first get an expander placed on a tooth, it might be awkward feeling at first. However, as soon as they get used to it (which happens fairly quickly), they often forget they even have it in their mouth. And just like with any dental appliance or procedure, if you experience pain after an expander is put in place, tell your dentist immediately so he or she can make any necessary adjustments. If there’s still pain, it’s likely something else is wrong and needs to be addressed.
